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DONE DEAL: GFG Alliance executive chairman Sanjeev Gupta, SA Premier Steven Marshall and Whyalla Mayor Lyn Breuer sign a document signifying the partnership between GFG Alliance, the State Government and Council for the construction of the new jetty.
The City of Whyalla and GFG Alliance have announced a major partnership that will see GFG’s Liberty Primary Steel operations donate the steel required for the city’s new jetty.
South Australian Premier Steven Marshall joined Mayor Lyn Breuer and GFG Alliance Executive Chairman Sanjeev Gupta in Whyalla yesterday (Wednesday, August 15) for the announcement which also confirmed the state government’s continued support for the project following last year’s $1m cash contribution.
Also unveiling the jetty’s final design during a special ceremony at the marina, Mayor Breuer said it was yet another milestone day in the history of Whyalla and a major step forward for the city as it continues to blaze a trail of economic and city growth.
HAPPY DAY: Whyalla Mayor Lyn Breuer announced the GFG Alliance steel donation for the new jetty.
“On behalf of the Whyalla community, I’d like to thank GFG Alliance and the State Government for this generous support that is going to help create something very special for our city,” Mayor Breuer said.
“The new jetty project has been a collaborative effort from the start and the generous GFG Alliance donation of steel just adds to the joint effort from so many people in our community.
“This steel donation, the $1m committed by the State Government and incoming Premier Steven Marshall’s ongoing support adds up to a project that Whyalla and the whole of South Australia can be proud of.”
Mr Gupta said he “jumped at the chance” for GFG Alliance to be a significant stakeholder and contributor – both financially and in-kind – to the new jetty.
PROUD PARTNER: GFG Alliance executive chairman Sanjeev Gupta speaks at the jetty announcement.
“Since our purchase of the steel works almost a year ago, we have stated that we want to play a key role in the growth and development of this community,” Mr Gupta said.
“We aim to not only transform our operations, but also partner in further enhancing the city’s appeal through developing real estate, tourism and hospitality, recreational facilities and improved transport and access to the city.
“It’s incredibly exciting knowing that local steel from our plant is going to help create this unique jetty in our own back yard, so we can’t wait to see our product contributing to something that both visitors and the entire community can enjoy.
“This is only the beginning of the journey on the exciting developments we expect to motivate and play a role in across the city. I want Whyalla to be a destination of choice – occupationally and recreationally – for people from across the globe.”
ONGOING SUPPORT: SA Premier Steven Marshall speaks at the jetty announcement.
With the design of the new jetty finalised, complete with an innovative loop halfway down the 165m structure, Council will now be calling for tenders for the construction of the jetty.
Council will be working closely with the State Government to finalise the necessary planning approvals along with extensive consultation with the traditional owners in Whyalla, the Barngarla people, to ensure all native title considerations are made. Planning approval is expected to take between three and six months before construction can start.
COMMUNITY INTEREST: A good crowd turned up for the jetty announcement.